Then, it was reported that he apologised for ‘heel gate’ at a dinner held at the Carlton Hotel on May 19, 2015.

To put out the fire, the festival issued an official statement as follows:

“Regarding the dress code for the red carpet screenings, rules have not changed throughout the years (tuxedo, formal dress for Gala screenings) and there is no specific mention about the height of the women’s heels as well as for men’s.”

Whilst the validation of the ban on flat shoes is uncertain, its timing is extremely unfortunate for organisers.

‘Heel Gate’ comes just days after the American Civil Liberty Union requested federal agencies to investigate gender discrimination in Hollywood.

Cannes invited just two out of nineteen women filmmakers to the competition this year. Nicola Mills, one of the founders of Film Fatales, was not pleased.

She said: “Obligatory heels force women into a gender stereotype, this seems to counter everything the festival has talked about regarding equality this year.”

Sicario‘s director Denis Villeneuve and main actor Benicio Del Toro joked they would be wearing high heels to future red carpet events at Cannes in protest against these barbaric rules.

But even more backlash can be expected as the prestigious festival draws to a close on May 24, 2015.

Danielle is an English & American Literature graduate and fashion enthusiast. If she isn't finding out what's in vogue, it's classic Shakespeare texts. She lives by the motto- "Work hard, so you can shop harder!"